10 day express CNA training

Are these classes legit? Has anyone had experience with them that they would like to share? I'm getting ready to invest in these classes and just wanted whatever good news/bad news there is to have about them.

I don't know about all of them, but my college does a "fast track" CNA class- I think it's two weeks long. The classes fill incredibly fast, and I think most if not all of the fall sessions are full. http://www.elizabethtown.kctcs.edu/index.cfm

Aug 9, '09

The state requirement for CNA classes is that they be 75 hours. 10 days at 7.5 hours/day = 75 hours. Also, 16 of those hours have to be clinical hours.

I am not sure where you are located. I took my CNA class through BCTC in Lexington and I hada great experience. I learned everything I needed to ace the state test. Most of the actual CNA work is learned on the job.

I know people that have gone to other CNA programs, the schools that only teach CNA classes and charge like $500 for it, and those students didn't feel prepared for the state test.

If I were you, I'd take it through a local community college, if possible.

Good luck! It's not hard, mostly common sense and memorization!

Aug 9, '09

I'm not so worried about passing the test and getting certified as I am with getting work. I was a volunteer EMT almost 20 years ago now and have taken care of my grandparents and senior members in my church so BLS, First Aid, CPR, etc is second nature to me. This is a career change for me so I'm looking for any/all advice I can get.

Aug 10, '09

Well, you shouldn't have any trouble finding a job. I was hired at a hospital for a PRN tech position right away, no previous exp. I do think the fact that I am in nursing school helped though.

Nursing homes and hospitals always need CNAs so you will be able to find something, somewheree but I highly recommend finding a position at a hospital. I have seen so much that I would never come across at a nursing home.

Good luck to you! I still highly recommend doing your course through community college, if for no other reason than the fact that it is usuallt cheaper.

Also, be sure to verify that wherever you go is accredited and will set you up for a date to take the state exam.

Aug 10, '09

Another good reason to take the class at a community college is that you'll be familiar with the equipment and it will be easier for you to pass the skills portion of the test. At ECTC, they do the skills testing for several other CNA classes. And, IMO, the examiner is far less like to fail "one of their own".

The class was pretty easy, though it did take a lot of my time. My class was 5 weeks long so it was 15 hours a week, plus about an hour or two before each class to complete the workbook. Other than doing the required workbook, I didn't study and got an A.

In case you're wondering, my CNA class cost $363 (tuition) plus $65 for the book and a bit less than $50 for a uniform for clinicals.

I haven't found a job yet as a CNA, but I haven't looked that hard. I have a $10.50/hr weekend-only job that won't interfere with school (starting LPN in a couple of weeks) so for now I'm keeping it. Most CNA jobs here start at about $8.50 from what I hear, so I'm in no hurry to take a pay cut.